“The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.”
- March 31, 1596 – February 11, 1650
- French
- Philosopher, Mathematician, Scientist, Father of Modern Philosophy
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Quote
“The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.”
Explanation
In this quote, Descartes articulates a core principle of his epistemology: the fallibility of the senses. He observes that because our senses have misled us on occasion, it is wise to be skeptical of them as reliable sources of knowledge. This does not mean rejecting all sensory information outright, but rather withholding full trust in anything that can be shown to be occasionally unreliable. Descartes emphasizes the importance of reason over perception in the pursuit of truth.
This insight appears early in Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy, where he introduces his method of radical doubt. Living in a time when scientific discoveries were overturning traditional beliefs, Descartes sought a secure foundation for knowledge. By noting that even common experiences—like mistaking a distant tower’s shape—can be misleading, he set the stage for doubting all beliefs based on sense perception, ultimately leading to the conclusion that only clear, rational thought could be trusted absolutely.
In modern life, this principle remains profoundly relevant. From optical illusions and cognitive biases to false memories, we continue to uncover the limits of our sensory and mental faculties. In fields like science, law, and journalism, where evidence must be scrutinized, Descartes’ caution reminds us that critical thinking must always accompany observation. It is a timeless call to be vigilant and reflective in how we interpret the world.
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